BRUSSELS, Belgium — President William Ruto has secured more than Sh20 billion in fresh European Union investment commitments aimed at accelerating Kenya’s digital transformation and strengthening regional connectivity.
The commitments were announced following talks between Ruto and Henna Virkkunen in Brussels on Monday as part of the Kenyan leader’s ongoing European tour.
According to the President, the European Union has committed €102 million (approximately Sh15.3 billion) under the EU–Kenya Digital Partnership to support digital infrastructure, innovation, and connectivity initiatives.
In addition, the EU will provide €37 million (about Sh5.6 billion) towards the African extension of the Blue Raman submarine cable project, bringing the total value of the new commitments to more than Sh20 billion.
Digital transformation agenda
President Ruto said the investments will support Kenya’s ambition to become a leading digital economy in Africa while creating employment opportunities for young people and expanding access to digital services.
“We welcome €102 million in new investments under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership to accelerate digital transformation, expand connectivity and create opportunities for our youth and businesses,” the President said.
The funding is expected to enhance digital infrastructure, strengthen internet access, and support innovation-driven enterprises across the country.
Blue Raman cable expansion
A significant portion of the package will support the extension of the Blue Raman submarine cable network into Africa.
The project will connect Kenya with the neighbouring countries of Djibouti, Somalia, and Tanzania, improving regional internet connectivity and data transmission capacity.
According to Ruto, the investment is expected to lower bandwidth costs, improve reliability of digital services, and reinforce Kenya’s position as a regional technology and communications hub.
The project aligns with Kenya’s broader strategy of expanding digital infrastructure to support e-commerce, digital finance, and technology-driven industries.
Trade and export growth
During the discussions, Kenya and EU officials also reviewed progress under the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement.
Ruto said Kenyan exports to the European Union have grown by more than 20 pc since the agreement entered into force, helping expand market access for local producers.
The President noted that increased exports have created opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, and exporters while contributing to job creation in key sectors of the economy.
The EPA provides duty-free and quota-free access for Kenyan products entering the European market, making the bloc one of Kenya’s most important trading partners.
Focus on digital trade
The talks also explored progress on the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership, including the Digital Dialogue framework and the Data Adequacy process.
Officials believe these initiatives will facilitate digital trade, improve cross-border data flows, attract foreign direct investment, and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
The discussions come as Kenya seeks to position itself as a regional centre for technology, innovation, and digital services under the government’s economic transformation agenda.
President Ruto is currently on a week-long tour of Europe, with scheduled engagements in Belgium, Norway, and a State Visit to Finland aimed at deepening economic, diplomatic, and investment ties between Kenya and European partners.
